Nature for Learning and Wellbeing: A Forest School Approach to Literacy and Maths

This Summer Course is an opportunity to experience the principles of Forest School in a fun and embodied way. The course is suitable for educators with an interest in taking learning outdoors, and linking outdoor learning activities to the Curriculum through literacy and numeracy opportunities afforded by Forest School.

Some of the topics, skills and questions which will be explored on this Summer Course include;

• Describing the benefits of outdoor learning for physical, emotional and mental wellbeing,
• Identifying the key principles and elements of Forest School and outdoor learning,
• Reviewing and evaluating a range of international approaches to outdoor learning, nature pedagogy and nature play,
• Examining the role and value of play and considering how play offers opportunities for teaching and learning in an outdoor learning environment,
• Safe tools to use to make simple wild craft projects,
• Exploring natural shelter building,
• Experiencing fire craft and wild cooking,
• Discovering the invisible learning of nature games,
• Experiencing the profound benefits of Sit Spot Practice,
• Learning how a Forest School approach can be used as a therapeutic intervention, in a home or school setting, to support challenging behaviours, social skills and sensory development,
• Exploring how educators can support a child-led curriculum and understand the many benefits of risky play in learning, and
• Creating and planning for meaningful contexts in literacy and numeracy. 

Maura Brennan

Maura Brennan is a Primary School teacher and Forest School facilitator, who holds a Remote Emergency Care Certificate. Further details about Kilkenny Forest School can be found on their website.